Presenting Confidential Design Work Under NDA
Learn the art of navigating confidentiality in design without spilling the beans. Discover practical strategies to showcase your work while respecting NDAs.
Are you a designer whoâs in that tricky spot where you want to show off your awesome design work, but thereâs a big 'Confidential' stamp on it? Well, youâre not alone. In the last month, Iâve been asked countless times: 'How do I show my work online or in interviews if itâs all under NDA? Any tips?' And yes, I do! So letâs jump into how you can share your skills and experience without stepping on any confidentiality landmines.
đ Review the NDA you signed
Perhaps this is an obvious first step, but itâs so frequently overlooked. Before you start fretting that you canât show any of your work to anyone, have a good look over the NDA you signed. Not all NDAs are the same, so itâs really key that you read it first, as you may not be as restricted as you first thought.
Not sure if you even signed one? Take a look at the contract you have or had with your employer. This is particularly important if youâre working with a design agency, as the NDA may not have been a separate document.
Did you know that in the UK, NDAs typically have a lifespan ranging from 3 to 5 years?
As shared on rippling.com, NDAs tend to have a limited shelf life, and once that time is up, the information can be freely shared with others. However, it's important to note that certain types of information can remain confidential indefinitely. This includes, but is not limited to, expertise that cannot be patented, lists of your customers, and some personal data.
Publicly available information is different: In the UK, once information is out there in the wide world, regardless of how it happened, the NDA can no longer be legally enforced.
𫥠Anonymise the Details
So, youâve reviewed your NDA contract, or perhaps youâve decided to move forward regardless. The next critical step is to anonymise your data. This can be as straightforward as substituting business names, logos, locations, and specific details with generic counterparts. The purpose of anonymising these details isnât to hide the work; itâs an exercise in creativity while maintaining the integrity of your work. Think of it as a puzzle â how well can you preserve the essence of the project while removing its identifying features?
đ§âđŹ Focus on the Method, Not the Madness
Another way to move forward with NDA-protected projects is by shifting the focus from the end product or the client's details to your thought process. For example, did you employ user experience research? Conduct market analysis, or use innovative design thinking strategies?
Illustrating how your methods of designing can be universally applied and offering insights that go beyond the specifics of any single project can be a great way to tell a story about your work without giving away sensitive information.
Naturally, youâll still need to ask yourself, when talking about the research and findings âAm I revealing any secrets?â.
đď¸ Showcasing Your Design Contribution and Learnings
You can also shine a light on your personal growth and contributions as a designer throughout the project. Whether itâs your online portfolio or the deck you show in an interview, you can discuss the broader skills you honed, the innovative design techniques you applied, and how you evolved professionally during the course of the project. Itâs about the value you brought to the table, both in terms of design and teamwork.
Itâs always insightful to hear how a designer has learned or reflected on a project. Maybe you discovered a new approach to a tricky user experience problem, or you found a way to enhance collaborative processes. This isn't just about solving problems; it's a story of your development and the unique impact you made as a designer. Itâs your professional journey, showcasing how each project shapes you into a more skilled and insightful designer.
𤍠The Real Deal About Portfolios
Remember, your portfolio is there to showcase your skills and thought processes. Iâve interviewed plenty of designers who have not held back on showcasing projects they definitely show information they shouldnât have been sharing.
If you choose to showcase such projects, especially in an interview setting or on a password-protected website, make sure the viewers understand that itâs private and not for public viewing. And then you just have to hope they donât.
I feel that there is a bit of a *wink wink* agreement in the industry that most designers work isnât to be shared, but if we all followed it, we wouldnât have any work to showcase to get us another role.
That said, be mindful of who you are sharing work with, as it could give of the vibe âThey shared this with us, what could they share when they leave?â
And sure, it's great to have worked with big brands, but it's your approach that needs to shine through. And as we already know: if your project is already in the public domain, that makes things easier!
𧊠The NDA Conundrum
People get really hung up on NDAs, but it doesnât have to be so stressful. The main issue is confidential information, so just redact anything sensitive about the client, users, brands, etc. Change logos, use fake names â you know the drill.
In the end, it's all about being smart and respectful about confidentiality while still being able to showcase your talent. You've got amazing work to show â just do it in a way that keeps you and your clients happy and secure. Got any other tips or experiences with this? I'd love to hear them!
Before I go, here is this week's top jobs I found that I wanted to share with you.
đ¤ Jobs
Ocado Group: UX Graduate
âWeâre looking for innovative and passionate graduates who can build towards our mission: changing the way the world shops for good with our incredible technology. Our graduate rotation scheme is designed to give you first-hand experience of all aspects of UX. Want to know where youâll thrive the most? Hereâs your chance to learn.â
đđť Read more and apply
MSL (Publicis): Mid-Weight Designer
âWeâre looking for a super creator to join our studio. Your enthusiasm for design, eye for craft and creative curiosity will be flexed across an array of challenges and global clients â from visual expressions for campaigns, developing employer brands, art directing shoots, crafting compelling brand activations and engaging social content.â
đđť Read more and apply
Meta: Product Designer (Workrooms)
âAs a Product Designer, youâll be responsible for defining, designing, researching, prototyping, and implementing new features as well as future iterations. We're looking for a designer who is ready to jump in and explore new challenges. You will have a balance of interaction design, visual design, and product thinking skills. You are customer obsessed and research driven.â
đđť Read more and apply
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